Abutted Or Superimposed Members Patents (Class 210/488)
  • Patent number: 6303032
    Abstract: ‘A Portable Multi-Strainer (11)’ for a kitchen sink comprising a filter screen (14) having a top and bottom surface, a top grid (12) having openings therein abutting the top surface of the filter screen (14), a bottom grid (15) having openings therein abutting the bottom surface of the filter screen (14), said strainer (11) being sized to cover the entire bottom of said kitchen sink and having a thin edge (18) border (17) adapted for a tight fit to the walls of said sink. The top grid (12) openings therein comprise numerous cells (13) all having top and bottom openings. Cells' (13) bottom openings abutting the top surface of the filter screen (14), ‘coinciding’ with the bottom grid's (15) openings abutting the bottom surface of the filter screen (14), resulting with all cells (13) functioning as many individual strainers, having waste particles retaining inside the cells (13) as water drains through filter screen (14) and the bottom grid's (15) openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventor: Serafina Genduso
  • Patent number: 6293410
    Abstract: A no-cure fuel filter and method of making same is disclosed. The no-cure fuel filter utilizes a non-organic, mineral based filter element which replaces the pleated paper type filter element of conventional fuel filters. The no-cure fuel filter may be used for gasoline blended fuels, ethanol blended fuels, diesel fuel blends, propane fuel blends, or methanol fuel blends, and may be used for primary filtration, secondary filtration or final filtration. The no-cure fuel filter comprises a non-organic mineral based filter element disposed along a path of flow of unfiltered fuel in a fuel system of a vehicle. The filter element includes an exterior periphery and an interior periphery and a first end and a second end. The no-cure fuel filter further comprises end caps disposed over and fluidly sealing the first and second ends of the filter element, such that the unfiltered fuel must pass through the filter element from one of the peripheries to the other periphery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Mahle-Parr Filter Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry D. Forbes
  • Patent number: 6293411
    Abstract: Supported separation membranes are disclosed wherein the permselective membrane is integral with a polymeric support of non-woven fibers having a particular air permeability, the integral membranes exhibiting far superior lifetimes and retention capability, especially for microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Sartorius AG
    Inventor: Hans Beer
  • Patent number: 6290068
    Abstract: A screen assembly for a vibratory separator has been invented, which, in certain aspects, has at least two ridge-valley series of screening material with a plurality of alternating ridges and valleys of screening material, and at least one ridge-valley series of screening material offset from at least one other ridge-valley series of screening material. A screen assembly for a vibratory separator has been invented, which, in certain aspects, has at least one ridge-valley series of screening material, said ridge-valley series including a plurality of ridges each ridge between valleys of a plurality of valleys, and each ridge having a first end spaced apart from a second end, said first end having a top wider than a top of second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Tuboscope I/P, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Adams, Kenneth W. Seyffert, David W. Largent, David L. Schulte, Guy L. McClung, III, Jeffrey E. Walker, Hector M. Murray, James F. Maroney, III, Joseph C. Winkler
  • Patent number: 6283308
    Abstract: A bacteriostatic filter cartridge having a porous core member about which is layered a yarn and/or a polyester membrane and/or melt blown web of polypropylene and/or a trilaminate polypropylene membrane, any or all of which may be impregnated with an antimicrobial agent. The filter cartridge is sized so as to fit tightly into a cartridge housing of a fluid filtration system. Fluid passing through the cartridge housing will be filtered by the filter cartridge to remove contaminants from the water and which prevents the growth of bacterial and other microorganisms on the filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Microban Products Company
    Inventors: Arvind S. Patil, Gilbert Patrick
  • Patent number: 6283305
    Abstract: For uniformly, satisfactorily, and automatically removing foreign matter that has accumulated on the filter, the apparatus includes a housing having an inflow portion and an outflow portion, a filter having a large number of piled resilient filter chips between which a filtering gap for passage of fluid to be filtered is formed, an actuator for expanding the filtering gap between spring members in backwashing, and a backwashing channel for causing backwash fluid to flow through the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Maeda, Go Endo, Takayuki Ishihara
  • Patent number: 6283309
    Abstract: Device for purifying gases or liquids comprises a chamber provided with intakes and outlets, in which filter material is incorporated. Micro organisms are used for the purification. The filter material is a flat mat having large open pores and being made of foamed plastic material, which is rolled-up with a supporting element made of—at least partly—undulated, mutually connected, resilient threads, so that a certain distance between the parts of the mat radially following one another remains free. The rolled-up mat can be fittingly mounted in a supporting structure, such as a pipe. A number of pipes can be stacked within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventor: Bonno Koers
  • Patent number: 6279751
    Abstract: A filtration device for removing particulate matter from liquids has a rigid tubular body that terminates in a pair of open ends. The body has a plurality of openings therein, leading to a bore, and a layer of a filtration material, such as a polypropylene mesh, is stretched over the surface of the body. The filtration material has a preferred pore size of between 30 and 60 microns. The body is manufactured from plastic, and has a support means which prevents collapse of the filtration device under pressure. The filtration material is attached near the ends of the body, and a pair of end caps are attached to the ends. The end caps serve as means of fitting the filtration device within equipment such as automated photographic processing apparatus. The materials used to manufacture the filtration device are chosen so as to be resistant to both the physical conditions (such as temperature, pressure and flow rate) and the chemical conditions of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Edward Malkin
  • Publication number: 20010013493
    Abstract: A fluid filtration cell is disclosed which includes a separator disposed between two media elements having outer peripheries which are secured together by an edge seal. The media elements are formed from a material which swells in size due to fluid absorption. The edge seal is formed from a thermoplastic material having a modulus of elasticity which is sufficient to permit radial expansion of the edge seal when the cell media swells in size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Publication date: August 16, 2001
    Inventor: John L. Pulek
  • Patent number: 6274055
    Abstract: An in-line liquid filtration device useable for filtration of blood, blood products or the like includes a housing having an inlet port, an outlet port, at least one filter element disposed in the housing between the inlet port and outlet port so as to filter liquid which flows into the filtration device via the inlet port. The filter element divides the housing into a first chamber and a second chamber. The device allows gases to vent the filtration device through the outlet port. The means may include a flow deflector within the first chamber and/or the second chamber. The means may also include a channel, preferably spiral, within either the first chamber and/or second chamber. The filtration device allows air therein to be purged downstream into either an air collecting bag or into the blood receiving bag without the manipulation of the height of the filtration device or the blood receiving bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Hemasure, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Zuk, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6270668
    Abstract: The present invention typically involves the use of a compressed blocking area to assist in sealing a filter element and avoiding channeling in a wound fibrous tissue filtering system. It may involve the use of multiple, spaced, interstitial rings. It may involve the intentional wasting of a portion of the filter element to create a compressed blocking area. It may also involve the use of different heights of the rings and may include the use of compression and secondary tapers on the rings. The heights and spacing of the rings with respect to the other ring or rings may vary in a certain ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Harvard Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis R. Morgan, Edd D. Gryder
  • Patent number: 6267251
    Abstract: A filter is provided for filtering contaminants from a fluid passing through the filter. The filter comprises a silicon substrate having opposing first and second surfaces and a passage extending through it. A first etch resistant material layer is formed on the first substrate surface and includes at least one opening which extends through the first layer and communicates with the substrate passage. A second etch resistant material layer is formed on the second substrate surface and includes a plurality of pores which extend through the second layer and communicate with the substrate passage. The second layer defines a filter layer which filters contaminants from fluid passing through the second layer. A process for forming the filter is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl Edmond Sullivan
  • Patent number: 6267898
    Abstract: A leukocyte-removing filter medium which comprises a matrix and ultra-fine fibers having a fiber diameter of less than 1.0 &mgr;m and not less than 0.01 &mgr;m which contains ultra-fine fibers in an amount of less than 50 wt % and not less than 0.1 wt %, the degree of curvature of the ultra-fine fibers being 1.2 or more, and/or the ultra-fine fibers form pores having a roundness of 1.7 or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Asahi Medical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Fukuda, Jun Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6241886
    Abstract: The present invention provides a plasma separation filter capable of easily, speedily and safely separating plasma from a small quantity of blood without damaging blood cell components in the blood. The plasma retains the same protein concentration as in the blood. The present invention also provides a method using such a filter and an apparatus comprising such a filter. The filter of the present invention comprises a micro fiber medium formed of micro fibers with an average hydraulic radius of 0.5 &mgr;m to 3.0 &mgr;m. Such a micro fiber medium is placed in a container having an inlet and an outlet so that a ratio (L/D) of a blood flow passage length (L) to a blood flow passage diameter (D) is 0.15 to 6. The present invention provides such a filter, a plasma separation method using the filter, and a plasma separation apparatus comprising the filter. The present invention can significantly contribute to promote the automation and enhance speediness and safety in clinical tests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Toyo Boseki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomohiro Kitagawa, Hidehiko Sakurai, Takafumi Hayashi, Makoto Ohno
  • Patent number: 6234200
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling liquid flow from a holding vessel to a discharge line wherein insoluble material received into the vessel with liquid is intended to be retained in the vessel. The apparatus comprises wall means within which an interior cavity is defined for connection to the discharge line at a location below the surface of liquid in the vessel, apertures spaced along the wall means for admitting liquid from the vessel into the cavity, wall elements between the apertures providing inclined confronting ramps between which pockets are provided such that the liquid therein is relatively quiescent to facilitate movement upwardly of buoyant components of the insoluble material to be deflected by the superior ramp towards the top of the vessel and movement downwardly of non-buoyant components of the insoluble material to be deflected by the inferior ramp towards the bottom of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Kerry Victor Hall
  • Patent number: 6209728
    Abstract: A filter medium, which is resiliently expandable in an axial direction and is able to deform the filtration gaps in size in accordance with its expansion, including a compression limiting member for providing required filtration gaps by limiting the amount of compression applied to the filter medium. The filter medium is held by a holder in such a manner that the amount of compression may be adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Maeda, Go Endoh
  • Patent number: 6187184
    Abstract: A basket for a traveling water screen which includes a top rail with a pair of spaced apart end members at opposite ends of the top rail which are joined to the top rail. A water screen extends between the end members and includes an upper edge portion supported by the top rail, and a lower edge portion opposite the upper edge portion, and opposite edges supported by the spaced apart end members. A lower channel rail extends between the spaced apart end members and supports the lower edge portion of the water screen with the lower channel rail defining an internal channel having a smooth arcuate inner surface. An insert in the form of an elongated member is positioned in the bottom, back downstream side of the channel and forms a quiescent condition in the bottom of said channel when the basket is exposed to a flowing water stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation
    Inventors: Wesley A. Reetz, William J. Hartson, Steven L. Barfuss
  • Patent number: 6186342
    Abstract: Described is a semipermeable capillary having a tubular semipermeable wall composed of a membrane-forming material (2) and a tubular strengthening layer (1). The tubular strengthening layer includes an elongated tape having mutually overlapped longitudinal edges. The tubular strengthening layer has an open cohesive structure that is embedded in the membrane-forming material whereby the mutually overlapping longitudinal edges are joined together by the membrane-forming material and a continuous phase is formed between the semipermeable wall and the strengthening layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Stork Friesland B.V.
    Inventor: Casper Johannes N. Rekers
  • Patent number: 6186341
    Abstract: The hydrophilicity of porous separation membranes is maintained by bonding the membranes to thermoplastic fiber substrates at least on their peripheries before the membrane peripheries are sealed in a thermoplastic resin. The membranes are capable of being integrity tested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Sartorius AG
    Inventors: Peter Konstantin, Oscar-Werner Reif, Jürgen Rupp, Peter Soelkner
  • Patent number: 6182834
    Abstract: Filter for removal of leucocytes is provided, wherein the filter is coated with a natural polymer of chitosan which has a good blood compatibility and no side effect in human body on an ultrafine non-woven fabric. This blood filter provides a high removal rate of leucocytes as well as good recovery of platelets and red blood cells due to secondary filtration through electrostatic power between a leucocyte and a cationic residue provided by chitosan on the surface of the non-woven fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Jae-Jin Kim, Sang-Bong Suh, Byung-Ok Jung
  • Patent number: 6177019
    Abstract: A method for removing tumor cells from tumor cell-contaminated stem cell products is disclosed. One embodiment of the method relies on an in-line filtration device that includes a tumor cell reduction filter means, preferably comprised of one or more tumor cell reduction filter pads. The tumor cell reduction filter means provides at least a ten-fold reduction in tumor cells while allowing for at least a 30% recovery of stem cells in a filtered stem cell product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: HemaSure Inc.
    Inventors: Franco Castino, Sumith R. Wickramasinghe
  • Patent number: 6170671
    Abstract: The blood filter unit of the invention is composed of a blood filtering material made of glass fiber filter and microporous membrane and a holder having a blood inlet and a filtrate outlet. The holder accommodates the blood filtering material so that the microporous membrane is located on the filtrate outlet side, provides a space between the blood filtering material and the filtrate outlet, and provides a means for preventing adhesion of the blood filtering material on the filtrate outlet side. By using the blood filter unit, a necessary volume of plasma or serum for analysis can be separated surely, irrespective of hematocrit value of the blood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Kitajima, Kenichiro Yazawa, Shigeru Tezuka, Fumio Sugaya, Akemi Higo, Kiyotaka Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 6168718
    Abstract: A method for purifying conventionally treated blood plasma to remove substantially all residual leukocytes while maintaining useful flow rates for medically useful amounts of plasma utilizes a disposable, heat-sterilizable filter employing one or more depth-type prefilters and at least one intermediate hydrophilic microporous membrane followed by at least one final hydrophilic microporous membrane having a smaller pore size than the intermediate membrane within a common housing. The purified plasma is preferably subjected to chemical treatment to destroy infectious agents such as hepatitis and HIV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Pall Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Alexander Sutter, Noel Tod Borton, Daniel F. Bischof, John Chapman, Robert E. Herman, Chong-Son Sun
  • Patent number: 6152307
    Abstract: A screen assembly for a vibratory separator has been invented, the screen assembly, in certain aspects, having a panel with two connected pairs of spaced-apart sides including a first pair of spaced-apart side separated by a second pair of spaced-apart sides, a plurality of spaced-apart strips extending between the first pair of spaced-apart sides, each adjacent pair of the plurality of spaced-apart strips defining a space therebetween through the panel, a first mesh bonded to the spaced-apart strips, and a second mesh bonded to the backup mesh. In one aspect a third mesh is bonded to the second mesh. In one aspect the strips are formed from a panel piece by cutting material therefrom with a laser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Tuboscope I/P, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Adams, Kenneth W. Seyffert, David W. Largent, David L. Schulte, Jeffrey E. Walker, Hector M. Murray, Guy L. McClung, III
  • Patent number: 6117341
    Abstract: A filter has a first filter layer made of TiO.sub.2 of Ti.sub.4 O.sub.7 particles deposited on a second filter layer by stainless steel particles. The first layer has a smaller pore size than the second layer. The construction of the filter, the relative thicknesses of the layers and the resistances thereof to movement therethrough of electrolytically generated gas located between the two layers when the filter is permeated with liquid are such that the gas reaches the upstream side of the filter before the downstream side. In one embodiment stainless steel particles are sintered and rolled with a textured roller before ceramic particles are applied and rolled. An intermediate layer of metal particle peaks and ceramic filled troughs is thus provided which has high tortuosity. The resistance to flow at the metal/ceramic interface can be increased by electrodeposition of metal there.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Imas Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: David James Bray, Alexander Philip Davidson
  • Patent number: 6105787
    Abstract: A filtration device for removing particulate matter from liquids has a rigid tubular body that terminates in a pair of open ends. The body has a plurality of openings therein, leading to a bore, and a layer of a filtration material, such as a polypropylene mesh, is stretched over the surface of the body. The filtration material has a preferred pore size of between 30 and 60 microns. The body is manufactured from plastic, and has a support means which prevents collapse of the filtration device under pressure. The filtration material is attached near the ends of the body, and a pair of end caps are attached to the ends. The end caps serve as means of fitting the filtration device within equipment such as automated photographic processing apparatus. The materials used to manufacture the filtration device are chosen so as to be resistant to both the physical conditions (such as temperature, pressure and flow rate) and the chemical conditions of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Edward Malkin
  • Patent number: 6102212
    Abstract: A filter element for a pressure filter where a substantially horizontal wall (3) divides the interior of a pressure vessel into a lower inlet compartment (5) and an upper outlet compartment (6). A filter element (20) having a filter medium (40) is suspended from the wall (3) such that the filtering takes place from the inlet compartment (5) through the filter element (20) up to the outlet compartment (6). A corrugated sheet (22) is provided which defines a plurality of substantially vertically extending channels (45) and (42). Each first channel (45) is open the inlet compartment (5) with the filter medium (40) covering the first channels (45) with the upper end of the first channels (45) being closed and the lower end of the first channels (45) being open at (43). The second channels (42) being formed on an inner side of the corrugated sheet (22) with an open bottom end and an upper end communicating with the outlet compartment (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Bandak AS
    Inventor: Kent Strid
  • Patent number: 6071419
    Abstract: A fluid filter includes a first batting of high loft, non-woven, fibrous fluid-permeable material with a plurality of openings formed through the thickness thereof across the length and width of the batting. A second layer of high loft, non-woven, fluid-permeable fibrous batting is attached to the first layer and extends across the entire length and width of the first layer. Preferably, the first and second layers are adhered together to form a single integral fluid filter. In the preferred form of the invention, the openings in the first batting have side walls which are perpendicular to the upper surface of the batting, such that fluid flow impacts on the upper surface of the batting, rather than directly impacting on the side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Products Unlimited, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott B. Beier, Rex A. Adams
  • Patent number: 6048464
    Abstract: A leukocyte-removing filter material is described, which includes a porous element having fine pores of an average pore diameter of not less than 1.0 .mu.m but less than 100 .mu.m and a fiber structure composed of a plurality of fibers having an average fiber diameter of not less than 0.01 .mu.m but less than 1.0 .mu.m kept on the porous element. The porosity of the filter material is not less than 50% but less than 95%, and the proportion of the fiber structure to the filter material is not less than 0.01% by weight but less than 30% by weight. The ratio between the average pore diameter of the porous element and the average fiber diameter of the fiber structure is not less than 2 but less than 2,000 and the above fiber structure forms a reticulate structure. A process for producing the leukocyte-removing fiber material and an apparatus for removing leukocyte using the above fiber material are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Asahi Medical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Tanaka, Tatsuya Fukuda, Kumi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 6032807
    Abstract: A method correlates average fiber diameter with performance for a complex filtration media comprising a matrix of fibers having a fibrillated component with a diameter so small (e.g., less than 0.01 microns), that cannot be physically measured with accuracy. The method manufactures a selected matrix, derives the number average diameter of the fibers according to prescribed steps, some of which do not require actual physical measurements, and observes a performance characteristic. The method repeats the foregoing steps for different matrixes, yielding different number average diameters. The method expresses change in the selected performance characteristic as a function of change in number average diameter of the matrices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Shmuel Sternberg, Daniel R. Lynn
  • Patent number: 6030539
    Abstract: An in-line liquid filtration device useable for filtration of blood, blood products or the like includes a housing having an inlet port, an outlet port, at least one filter element disposed in the housing between the inlet port and outlet port so as to filter liquid which flows into the filtration device via the inlet port. The filter element divides the housing into a first chamber and a second chamber. The device allows gases to vent the filtration device through the outlet port. The means may include a flow deflector within the first chamber and/or the second chamber. The means may also include a channel, preferably spiral, within either the first chamber and/or second chamber. The filtration device allows air therein to be purged downstream into either an air collecting bag or into the blood receiving bag without the manipulation of the height of the filtration device or the blood receiving bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: HemaSure, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Zuk, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6000558
    Abstract: A filter element for filtering a particle-containing paint composition or a particle loading slurry composition which is a precursor to a particle-containing paint composition is provided. The filtration element comprises at least one filtration layer formed from woven polymer fibers and having substantially uniform pores and two spacer layers. The spacer layers have raised projections to create a space between adjacent spacer layers having contacting projections. The filtration element has a pleated or spirally wound configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Proulx, Michael L. Heise
  • Patent number: 5996811
    Abstract: This invention relates to a plasma-collecting device which comprises a blood filtering material comprising glass fiber filter and microporous membrane, a holder having a blood inlet and a plasma outlet accommodating the blood filtering material, a blood-collecting needle being connected to the blood inlet, and a plasma receiver being provided on the plasma outlet side. The plasma-collecting device can collect a necessary amount of plasma for analysis from blood vessel directly, easily and surely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Kitajima, Akemi Higo
  • Patent number: 5997972
    Abstract: Filling material for percolating filters used in the biological treatment of fluids are provided with strips which are made of plastic and are connected to one another via a transversely directed holding web. The strips are arranged one above the other in a plurality of layers in order to increase the strip density. In the filling material according to the invention, the strips are provided with different cross-sections over their length. For example, the strips may be reduced in width in regions adjacent to their connection to the holding web. As a result, the strips can be arranged in one layer with an increased strip density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Norddeutsche Seekabelwerke Aktiengesellschart
    Inventor: Hartwig Basse
  • Patent number: 5989417
    Abstract: A cover for a sewage shaft comprising a shaft lid (1) including apertures (2) for the passage of sewage, a filtering element (3) spanning the region of the apertures (2) being arranged at the lower side of this lid, wherein the filtering element (3) projects into the apertures (2) and, at its upper side, ends substantially flush with the upper side of the shaft lid (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Gerhard Fleischhacker
  • Patent number: 5988397
    Abstract: A screen for a vibratory shaker having a frame with multiple openings. Screen modules or plugs are disposed in each opening. Further disclosed is a mounting apparatus for securing the screen plugs in the openings and a support strip for supporting part of a screen having at least one upturned finger projecting above the top surface of the support body configured for contacting and supporting at least a part of a raised portion of the frame. A plug or module disposed in an opening of a positioning member of a screen assembly for a vibratory separator receives fluid with material therein for separation therefrom. Additionally disclosed is a method for making a plate mesh combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Tuboscope I/P, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Adams, David L. Schulte, Jr., Guy L. McClung, III
  • Patent number: 5988400
    Abstract: A porous fluorocarbon membrane has a porous support completely impregnated with tetrafluoroethylene/vinylidene fluoride copolymer. There is a process for producing this membrane by impregnating a porous support with a copolymer solution in a readily-boiling solvent and a precipitating mixture of alcohol and water followed by curing for partial hardening of the solution and subsequent drying at elevated temperature. A cartridge filter includes protective and supporting cylindrical perforated hollow housings, containing a fluorocarbon membrane or two superimposed flourocarbon membranes. Membranes and a cartridge filter find extensive use in separation of gases and aggressive media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Aktsionernoe Obschestvo "Polimersintez"
    Inventors: Vyacheslav Grigorievich Karachevtcev, Vladimir Pavlovich Dubjaga, Natalia Vladimirovna Amelina, Aleksandr Valentinovich Tarasov
  • Patent number: 5985139
    Abstract: A pump and filter system for filtering effluent in a septic system including a filter housing with sides, a top and a bottom, a filtering system secured within the filter housing, a vertical tubular element secured to the outside of the filter housing in communication with unfiltered effluent within the septic system and with an opening in the bottom or side of the filter housing, and a pump for pumping filtered effluent through the filtering system. Preferably a check valve is secured within the bottom of the filter housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Zoeller Company
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Zoeller
  • Patent number: 5979669
    Abstract: A blood filter unit having a blood filter holder containing a blood filtering material of a glass fiber filter and a microporous membrane is described. The holder has a blood inlet and a filtrate outlet, and accommodates the blood filtering material so that the microporous membrane is located on the filtrate outlet side and has a space between the blood filtering material and the filtrate outlet. The holder provides means for preventing adhesion of the blood filtering material on the filtrate outlet side. The inventive blood filter unit allows separation of a desired volume of plasma or serum for analysis without interference by the hematocrit value of the blood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Kitajima, Kenichiro Yazawa, Shigeru Tezuka, Fumio Sugaya, Akemi Higo, Kiyotaka Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 5971159
    Abstract: A screen is disclosed which, in certain aspects, has screening material between opposed frame sides and one or more lower strips beneath the screen. In one aspect a plurality of lower strips are bonded to the screen and extend across the screen from one frame side to the other. In one aspect one or more of the strips has one, two, or more humps or ridges corresponding to one or more corrugations in a corrugated perforated plate and/or corrugated screen assembly which is on the plate or, with no plate present, on the strips. In another aspect instead of the strips a solid corrugated perforated plate is used. In one aspect openings or perforations through the plate are triangular. In one aspect the screen is undulating screening material and lower portions of the screening material are bonded to a plate or to strips. Optionally screen mounting hooks or frame edges or screen edges may be used with such screens. A screening apparatus or shale shaker is disclosed which uses such plates and screens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Tuboscope I/P, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent D. Leone, Thomas C. Adams, Jeffrey Walker, David L. Schulte, Jr., Charles N. Grichar, Kenneth W. Seyffert, Guy L. McClung, III
  • Patent number: 5972218
    Abstract: An apparatus for the conversion of substrates both for analytical and preparative purposes in a flow-through and cross-flow reactor having compact porous discs and/or compact porous tubes as carrier for conversion reaction or preparative separations which compact porous discs and/or compact porous tubes are modified with substances being capable of specifically binding and/or converting said substrates by distributing the samples to be converted and/or preparatively separated and collecting the converted and/or separated substrates preferably in a low volume, wherein the distribution of the sample does not affect the carrier adversely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: BIA d.o.o. Laboratory and Process Equipment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Djuro Josic, Primoz Koselj, Ales Podgronik, Ales Strancar
  • Patent number: 5948250
    Abstract: A portable berm for use in and out of doors. The berm includes a impervious flexible synthetic floor which has a berm wall formed about its periphery. The berm wall comprises a plurality of elongated plastic strips which are attached to the floor along their inner and outer edges each forming a cavity which extend around the floor. A plurality of openings are formed in the strips adjacent at least their edges. An adsorbent and absorbent hydrophobic material which allows water to pass through but absorbs chemical contaminants is positioned within the cavities to extend about the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Basic Concepts, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis G. Middleton
  • Patent number: 5942113
    Abstract: A solid-liquid separating filter media (4) for sewage, waste water, etc. comprising a mono- or multi-layered filter screen (3) in which a number of filaments (1) are closely aligned in parallel and crosswise bonded to hoops (2) at predetermined points thereof to form integral blind-like structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventor: Tadaki Morimura
  • Patent number: 5938940
    Abstract: An in-line liquid filtration device useable for filtration of blood, blood products or the like includes a housing having an inlet port, an outlet port, at least one filter element disposed in the housing between the inlet port and outlet port so as to filter liquid which flows into the filtration device via the inlet port. The filter element divides the housing into a first chamber and a second chamber. The device allows gases to vent the filtration device through the outlet port. The means may include a flow deflector within the first chamber and/or the second chamber. The means may also include a channel, preferably spiral, within either the first chamber and/or second chamber. The filtration device allows air therein to be purged downstream into either an air collecting bag or into the blood receiving bag without the manipulation of the height of the filtration device or the blood receiving bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: HemaSure Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Zuk, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5938920
    Abstract: A self supporting filter plate assembly having two opposed screen sections with inwardly shaped deformations which engage each other to maintain a planar surface of the screen sections at a predetermined spacing. The screen sections releasably engage each other. Inwardly directed retaining pins of an exterior frame removably support the screen sections in place within the frame. Each of the screen sections include edges which are bent at 90.degree. with respect to a central planar portion of each screen. The edge portions of the two screen sections interengage with each other by a projection in an inner surface of an edge portion of one screen section engaging with a recess extending from an outer surface of an edge portion of the other screen section. In addition, spaced openings in the edge portions, on opposed side edges of both screen sections, interengage with the inwardly directed retaining pins extending from an inner surface of opposed sides of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Stavo Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Kearney, George T. Quigley, Sytze Albert Keuning
  • Patent number: 5935436
    Abstract: Filter devices for simultaneously removing leukocytes and viral inactivating agents from whole blood or blood fractions are disclosed. One type of device comprises (1) a housing surrounding (2) activated carbon and (3) a mechanically stable polymeric material which may optionally be modified to attach a ligand for leukocytes. General methods for removing leukocytes and viral inactivating agents from blood and plasma are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Hemasure Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Kin-Lam Lee, Yves Fouron, Franco Castino, Charles Melvyn Zepp
  • Patent number: 5935424
    Abstract: A flow control device (FCD) controls low flow rate fluid flow to within closely tolerated and consistently maintained limits by way of improved stacked disc technology. Stacking face to face of similar disc configurations generates novel enhanced etched disc stacks allowing course and fine flow adjustments, maintenance of cleanliness, resistance to flow degradation, improved structural strength and the ability to make real time flow adjustments during mission life. A stainless/copper sandwiched embodiment seals face to face leakage faster than known means for controlling etched disc face to face seal designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Vacco Industries
    Inventors: Keith D. Dyer, George R. Hoppe
  • Patent number: 5914414
    Abstract: An air cleaner provided with a bellows-like air cleaning filter includes an air permeable and pliable strip-like mesh element (3), a plurality of rectangular plastic frames (4) arrayed side by side with a predetermined pitch on one or both surfaces and along the full length of the mesh element (3), the plastic frames (4) being injection-molded and provided at both end portions in the width-wise direction with angled protrusions (5) having an approximately triangular cross-section and hinge portions (7) formed by thinning or linearly grooving a joint portion of the frames (4) between neighboring plastic frames (4). The bellows-like air cleaning filter is employed by transforming it into a cylindrical shape and fitting end caps (9) thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Kioritz Corporation
    Inventors: Toshio Taomo, Fujio Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 5911878
    Abstract: A passive pool skimmer has a T-shaped buoyant stabilizer end and a flexible strap which provides a readily displaceable structure that removes debris from the surface of a pool. The pool skimmer includes a rectangular frame having a net attached thereto in the configuration of a rectangular pouch. At one end of the frame, two floats are attached to the ends of a T-shaped structure. The floats rest against the side of the pool and, in combination with a float at the opposite end of the frame, provides sufficient buoyancy to substantially center the opening of the frame at the water level. A flexible strap with a quick disconnect is attached to the skimmer and allows relative motion of the pool skimmer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Inventors: Guido Benvenuto, Lanny Elliott, Dino Coletti
  • Patent number: 5895575
    Abstract: A method for selectively removing leukocytes from a suspension which also contains platelets, such as a platelet concentrate or whole blood. The method includes passing the suspension through a filter which includes a polysaccharide-type coating. The coating may include one or more of hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, hydroxybutylmethyl cellulose, dextran and hydroxyethyl starch. Also provided is a filter for selectively removing leukocytes from a suspension which also contains platelets. The filter includes a substrate which is coated with a polysaccharide-type composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Teva Medical Ltd.
    Inventors: Menahem A. Kraus, Yephet Gamlieli, Jacob Yonath, Roni Hazan